Oetken, Shirley M. (1928-2006)

OETKEN, STRUBLE, DAVIS

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/31/2007 at 10:47:08

Shirley Oetken
LeMars Sentinel, Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Shirley Oetken, 78, of Le Mars, died Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006, at her home.

Shirley M. Struble was born March 13, 1928, on the family farm in Monona County, Iowa, the daughter of Lloyd L. and Lucille (Davis) Struble. Shirley graduated from Castana High School in 1945 and later attended National Business Technical School in Sioux City where she received secretarial training graduating in 1947. She went to work for Rice Bro's at the Sioux City Stock Yards as a secretary. Shirley was united in marriage to Lawrence Oetken on Feb. 12, 1950 in Sioux City. Shirley and Lawrence farmed together on the Oetken farm in Elgin Township until their retirement in 1991 when they moved to Le Mars.

Shirley had been a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars since 1950. She enjoyed belonging to circle and loved quilting. She also enjoyed volunteering her time and talents wherever needed. She had volunteered at the hospital gift shop, Plymouth Manor Care Center, Meals on Wheels, and the Senior Companion Program.

Survivors include her five children: Beth Holden and her husband Charles of Rawlins, Wyo., Neal Oetken and his wife Sheryl of Le Mars, Carol Johnson and her husband John of Omaha, Neb., Jim Oetken and his wife Darlene of Le Mars, and Lisa Reuter of Le Mars; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a brother, Sherman Struble and his wife Melba of Missouri Valley; a sister, Joyce Grigg and her husband Richard of Tombstone, Ariz.; in-laws: Herman Oetken of Le Mars, Don and Dixie Oetken of Brunsville, Marlene and Tom Arens of Le Mars, Leonard Campbell of Le Mars, Alice Reid of San Ramon, Calif., and Lucille Slay of San Antonio, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd L. and Lucille (Davis) Struble; her husband, Lawrence Oetken in 1999; a sister as a young child, Phyllis; and in-laws: Frances Oetken, Laura Campbell, John Reid, Jim Slay, and Kenneth Oetken.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. John's Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. with the Rev. Gary Landsness officiating. Interment will be in Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery, rural Le Mars. Visitation will be after 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with the family present to greet friends after 5:30 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitations will continue Wednesday morning at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Oetken, Daniel Oetken, Allen Oetken, Scott Holden, Aaron Johnson, and Trent Boetger.